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Social Abstraction Art Exhibition at Gagosian Beverly Hills – Essence

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Cameron Welch, “The Golden Thread,” 2024. Photo: Maris Hutchinson. Courtesy of Gagosian.

When Gagosian The gallery opened its doors in Beverly Hills almost 30 years ago with the goal of amplifying its global influence within the art industry. Since then, the venue has featured works by Derrick Adams, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Pablo Picasso, amongst others. Now, viewers can experience an exhibition that explores memory, identity, politics, and history through the work of numerous influential contemporary Black artists.

Curated by writer, editor, and visionary Antwaun Sargent, the group exhibition features work by Kevin Beasley, Theaster Gates, Lauren Halsey, and Amanda Williams, to call a couple of. It also features an eclectic array of materials used to create works that blur the lines between figuration and abstraction. These materials carry deep conceptual and cultural meaning, transforming shapes into landscapes, cityscapes, and substantive narratives. For Sargent, the exhibition just isn’t only a showcase of gorgeous art, but in addition a celebration of the artists themselves.

Antwaun Sargent Curates a Provocative Exploration of Black History and Identity Through ‘Social Abstraction’
Artwork, floor, left to right: Theaster Gates, Kahlil Robert Irving; wall, left to right: Cy Gavin, Cameron Welch, Amanda Williams. Photo credit: Jeff McLane

“I’ve known a lot of these artists since the very beginning of my career, since I was in my twenties and they were in their twenties,” Sargent tells ESSENCE. “To see their interests and studio practices and art develop in the way that they have over the last decade has been a real gift for me as a writer and curator who has followed their work, but also as a friend who has come to know them through their work. So to be able to reconnect with them at this point in their careers and at this point in my career has been incredible.”

In addition to being an exhibition of latest abstract art as a method of exploring socially conscious themes, this is barely the primary installment of the exhibition. The second installment is about to open in Hong Kong Sept. 10 with the identical list of artists; each of them has a big body of labor, which supplies next month’s show the feel and look of a brand new exhibition. “These artists have really broad practices,” says the 2023 Lucie Award winner. “So we’re presenting different things from these artists in this particular show, again, to broaden the audience and broaden the conversation around these artists and their ideas.”

Sargent, known for his keen eye and commitment to elevating black voices within the art world, also incorporated the medium of dance into the exhibition’s opening night. The special performance was choreographed by Kyle Abraham, whose work aligns with the themes presented in . Sargent sees it as a major extension of the dialogue created by the artwork, further enriching the viewer’s experience.

Antwaun Sargent Curates a Provocative Exploration of Black History and Identity Through ‘Social Abstraction’
Donovan Reed performs before Rick Lowe’s album “Cavity Remains”, 2024.

“We’re always trying to expand the notion of what art is and build connections between visual art and other forms of art,” the renowned author explains. “I thought that with these kinds of group shows, it’s about grounding visual art in a larger cultural context. And also thinking about parallels and how artists from different mediums or media are thinking about these issues in some way.” By creating an exhibition that brings together so many types of nice art, it also brings together individuals with different interests and focus, which is intentional for Sargent, since the foremost goal is to create connections that reach beyond the partitions of galleries and museums, wherever they could be.

“I want to make sure that the dialogue isn’t just between artworks, but that artists are in the conversation,” Sargent says. “I really believe that as artists, the more artists we have in the conversation, thinking together, the deeper and richer the engagement we can all have as an art-consuming culture.”

may be seen at the Gagosian Cinema Beverly Hills until August 30, 2024.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Celebrity Coverage

A’ja Wilson Wins Record-Tied Third MVP Award, Leads Las Vegas Aces to Playoffs – Essence

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Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson continues her historic streak by being named WNBA Most Valuable Player Kia 2024announced the league on Sunday. The award marks Wilson’s third profession MVP honor, tying with WNBA icons Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie and Lauren Jackson. Wilson is barely the second player in league history to receive the honour unanimously, joining Cynthia Cooper, who completed the feat in 1997.

Wilson’s dominance on the court this season far exceeded her scoring average. She totaled 1,021 points, 451 rebounds and led the league with 98 blocks. Her scoring average of 26.9 points broke Diana Taurasi’s 2006 record of 25.3 points per game, and her 9.8 defensive rebounds per game set a brand new league single-season record.

A'ja Wilson wins third MVP award, tying record, leads Las Vegas Aces to playoffs
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 22: (L-R) WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and Kia America Regional Operations Director Kathy Gleason present A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces with the 2024 WNBA MVP Award as Aces coach Becky Hammon and Wilson’s father, Roscoe Wilson Jr., look on before Game 1 of the primary round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs between the Aces and the Seattle Storm at Michelob ULTRA Arena on September 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wilson was the unanimous winner of the award, which she also won in 2020 and 2022. NOTICE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, user agrees to the terms of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Among the highlights of the season, Wilson had two of the league’s highest-scoring games, scoring 42 points against the Dallas Wings and 41 points against the Phoenix Mercury. She became only the second player in WNBA history to record 25 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and five blocks.

Additionally, Wilson’s community involvement earned her the 2024 Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award. This special award is close to Wilson’s heart, as Staley coached her during her college years on the University of South Carolina, where they won a national championship together.

A'ja Wilson wins third MVP award, tying record, leads Las Vegas Aces to playoffs
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 22: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) presents A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces with the 2024 WNBA MVP Award during a press conference prior to Game 1 of the primary round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs between the Aces and the Seattle Storm at Michelob ULTRA Arena on September 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wilson was the unanimous winner of the award, which she also won in 2020 and 2022. NOTICE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, user agrees to the terms of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Wilson’s MVP campaign capped a historic 12 months for the Aces, who’re well on their way to becoming a WNBA dynasty. Her impact helped the Aces (27-13) earn the fourth seed within the 2024 WNBA Playoffs, and Wilson is the backbone of a team that’s looking for a 3rd consecutive championship.

Wilson credits the fourth MVP vote she received last 12 months as motivation. “It kind of fueled me up when I started working out in the offseason, but around February I got fed up with it,” she said. “I didn’t want to give that person that energy, and that’s when I started to shut down.”

The 6-foot-4 forward’s legacy as one of the vital decorated players in WNBA history continues to grow as she also leads Vegas in scoring and rebounding. Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier finished second in MVP voting with 467 points, followed by New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (295 points), Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark (130 points) and Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (83 points).

In recognition of the MVP award, Wilson will receive $15,450 and a specially designed trophy from Tiffany & Co.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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ICYMI: Jourdan Dunn’s Iconic Pixie Hairstyle and More – Essence

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Dave Bennett/Getty Images

Last week, the celebs gave us a glimpse of their first moments of autumn beauty. From Beetlejuice style bangs from pixie cuts to 2-toned smokey eyes, it’s clear that this season’s hair and makeup is all about sophisticated punk. That means kitten cuts and a move away from daring pink are all in.

Jourdan Dunn closed out LFW’s fortieth anniversary with cropped bangs that were sculpted Balmain hair products and luscious lashes on the Icons Party. Not far behind, Jodie Turner-Smith and Gabrielle Union-Wade, each sporting glazed lips, attended the Burberry show in grunge and glitter eyeshadow respectively. Tracee Ellis Ross, then again, went for a festive vibe with red lipstick, deep mauve eyeshadow and a touch of blush.

For FKA Twigs, the “Kitty Kat” hairdo was the primary in a series of Eusexua wigs — a mood Kelela captured together with her cropped bob Okuzawa’s Kabuto on set with ESSENCE. Meanwhile, Doechii had her eyebrows removed, but compensated with an additional-long, teased ponytail, secured with an equally long bow. To end the week, Sabrina Elba wore barrel-shaped curls in a bob — bringing a summer favorite to fall.

In case you missed it, take a look at the 13 best celebrity beauty moments of the week.


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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A Fall Hairstyle Rihanna Approves: Medium-Length Curls – Essence

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Neil Mockford/GC Images

BobsLobs and pixie cuts, like Rihanna’s iconic short black bob, have been among the most beloved hair trends this summer. While these big cuts have been flooding our feeds all season long, this week the Fenty Hair founder introduced mid-length curls just days before fall.

A Fall Hairstyle Rihanna Approves: Medium-Length Curls
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Rihanna attends the Fenty Hair launch exclusively at Selfridges on September 16, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Selfridges and Fenty Hair)

Rihanna didn’t take the front row at London Fashion Week to have a good time the opening of Fenty Hair’s recent home in Selfridges. Her loose waves were parted to the perimeters, with the left half tucked behind her ear, revealing a chandelier-shaped earring. On the opposite side, the waves sat above her breasts — accentuated by custom Jacquemus robe— and rocked manicure butter.

To achieve this look, Fenty Hair Global Hair Stylist Ursula Stephen she washed her hair with shampoo and conditioner before preparing 5 in 1 heat protection type. She then curled the sections with a medium-diameter iron, pinning each section because the curls cooled. After resting, Stephen combed the curls and backcombed the roots for added volume, securing his curls with edge control.

A Fall Hairstyle Rihanna Approves: Medium-Length Curls
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Rihanna attends the Fenty Hair launch at Selfridges on September 16, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Neil Mockford/GC Images)

The tycoon matched her hair together with her cherry-coloured makeup, which was highlighted Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix Lipstick in “Blaz’d Donut” and Snap Shadows Eyeshadow Palette in “True Neutrals”—turning this look into Rihanna’s first fall trend.


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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